How Can a Pharmacy Qualify for DMEPOS Accreditation?

 Posted on February 26, 2021 in Pharmacy License Defense

Pharmacies provide a variety of products and services to patients, and they will need to maintain the proper licensing and accreditation to ensure that they can continue operating. Some pharmacies offer products that fall under the category of Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS), and to receive payments through Medicare for these products, they will be required to maintain accreditation. Pharmacy owners will need to be sure to understand the requirements that they will need to meet to receive DMEPOS accreditation.

Eligibility Requirements

Pharmacies will be required to complete the DMEPOS accreditation process through the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). To qualify for accreditation, a pharmacy will need to meet the following basic eligibility requirements:

• A pharmacy must have the proper licenses and be in good standing in all areas where it conducts business.
• A pharmacy must be in a commercial location rather than a personal residence, and it must have been in operation for at least 30 days while complying with all applicable state laws and regulations.
• A pharmacy must have a licensed pharmacist-in-charge who manages pharmacy operations and staff members.
• A pharmacy must predominantly serve human customers (as opposed to prescriptions for veterinary medicine), and it must fill prescriptions for at least 10 human patients.

Quality Standards

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) also maintains standards for quality that pharmacies will be required to meet to obtain accreditation as a supplier of DMEPOS. These standards address:

• Business management - A supplier must follow good business practices to prevent waste and fraud, use the proper financial management practices that will allow for accurate billing, and hire competent employees who are properly trained.
• Customer services and product safety - Pharmacies must provide clear instructions to patients for how equipment should be used and maintained. They must also have plans for identifying and investigating equipment failure or other safety issues. Suppliers are also required to provide follow-up services to patients to ensure that equipment is being used properly.
• Patient records - Pharmacies must keep accurate records while following HIPAA requirements for patient privacy and security.

Contact Our Illinois DMEPOS Accreditation Attorney

A pharmacy that is authorized to act as a supplier of durable medical equipment and similar types of products can provide a great deal of value to patients. Pharmacy owners will want to make sure they meet all requirements to receive payments for these products through Medicare. The Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, Inc. can assist with the DMEPOS accreditation process, and we can also help pharmacies address any other concerns that may affect their professional licensing and DEA registration.

As a licensed pharmacist and an experienced lawyer, Attorney Joseph Bogdan understands the issues that affect pharmacies, and he provides complete representation to ensure that licensed professionals can continue to practice successfully and avoid disciplinary action. Contact our Illinois pharmacy accreditation lawyer today at 630-310-1267 to set up a free consultation.

Sources:

https://nabp.pharmacy/programs/accreditations-inspections/dmepos-pharmacy/

https://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Medicare-Learning-Network-MLN/MLNProducts/DMEPOSQuality/DMEPOSQualBooklet-905709.html